Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Amendment (Strategic Reserve) Bill 2026, Appropriation (Fuel Security Response) Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026, Appropriation (Fuel Security Response) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Monday 30 March 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate centred on the government's response to a national fuel crisis triggered by conflict in the Middle East. The government defended the legislation as a necessary tool to secure fuel imports and establish a strategic reserve for critical minerals, while opposition members criticised the administration for delayed action and economic mismanagement. Opposition speakers supported the bill in principle but moved amendments to expand Export Finance Australia's powers to include commercial accounts and remove environmental barriers for emergency infrastructure. The government announced a temporary halving of the fuel excise and reduction of heavy vehicle charges to provide immediate relief.

Outcome

The debate was interrupted in accordance with standing order 43, with leave granted for the member to continue speaking when resumed.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Darren Chester (Gippsland) (National Party) Nationals

Chester argued that the government had failed to prepare Australia for the fuel crisis, citing previous dismissals of supply concerns as scaremongering. Chester stated that the coalition would support the bill to secure essential imports but criticised the lack of domestic fuel capability and sovereign resilience. Chester urged the government to implement cost-of-living relief by halving the fuel excise and road user charge, which the coalition proposed to offset. Chester highlighted concerns from the National Farmers' Federation regarding fertiliser supply and the financial risks faced by small independent fuel distributors.

Government response

Madeleine King (Brand) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

King supported the bill as a measure to implement the Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve and address immediate fuel security challenges. King detailed the government's investment in critical minerals and the new tools provided to Export Finance Australia to manage supply chain disruptions. King emphasised that the reserve would start by targeting antimony, gallium, and rare earth elements to bolster national security and economic resilience. King commended the bipartisan cooperation and highlighted international partnerships aimed at diversifying global supply chains.

Opposition response

Dan Tehan (Wannon) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Tehan criticised the government for its delayed response and previous restrictions on Export Finance Australia supporting fossil fuels. Tehan stated that the opposition would support the bill but intended to move amendments to allow EFA to operate on the commercial account for oil and gas. Tehan also proposed amendments to the EPBC Act to expedite emergency infrastructure projects. Tehan welcomed the government's decision to halve the fuel excise, attributing it to opposition pressure, and called for greater transparency regarding fuel distribution.